Holland, Luxembourg & Belgium

Welcome to Amsterdam! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Holland Days This morning, meet your Local Guide for a fascinating introduction to Amsterdam, the city built on about 11 million wooden poles and criss-crossed by over 165 canals. Board a boat for a canal cruise before visiting the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of this lively city. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE See the most fascinating views of Amsterdam on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.” Go even deeper into the artistry of Amsterdam with a visit to the Netherland’s national museum, the Rijksmuseum, illustrating 800 years of Dutch history through extraordinary works of art and photography.

Dutch Treats This morning, [LOCAL FAVORITE] visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens (departures March 21-May 9), or [LOCAL FAVORITE] visit the Heineken Experience, to discover the story behind the famous beer (departures May 23 - September 26). Continue to Delft for a guided visit of the Royal Delft Pottery Factory, where you can view the amazing collection of hand painted pieces and see the skilled craftspeople at work. Later, reach The Hague for an orientation drive with a photo stop at the Dutch Parliament and the International Court of Justice, plus free time for lunch and to explore more. Return to Amsterdam. (B) 103 mi / 165 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS Delft Blue pottery is part of the Dutch cultural heritage like windmills, wooden shoes, and Dutch cheese. Learn how this centuries-old craftmanship has been passed on from generation to generation and the artisans who still create these iconic pieces today.

Heroic History This morning, depart the Dutch capital and drive to Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and birthplace of the European Union and Euro currency. During your orientation of the city, visit the Vrijzhof Square, and see the Basilica of Saint Servatius, the Basilica of Our Lady and the Helpoort city gate. Take some leisure time to explore on your own. Continue to Bastogne in Belgium and enjoy free time to visit the war museum, which houses an interactive exhibition, and the Battle of the Bulge memorial, formerly known as the Mardasson Memorial. Cross the border into Luxembourg for a two-night stay. (B,D) 236 mi / 380 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS Witness the bravery of WWII allied troops commemorated in the Bastogne War Museum for a fascinating and moving look at the heroes of the historic Battle of the Bulge. Visit the museum’s American Memorial honoring the 76,890 American soldiers killed, wounded, or missing during this valiant victory on the Western Front.

Spend your day your way in Luxembourg Enjoy a walking tour in Luxembourg City and see the Palais Grand Ducal and Cathedral of our Lady. Explore more of Luxembourg with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. (B) A Journey Through History Delve into Luxembourg's history with a guided visit to the Luxembourg City History Museum. A thousand years of history and heritage are brought to life through interactive features, multimedia models, and original artefacts, plus stories and insights shared by the Local Guide. Admire stunning views from the panoramic elevator. Sweet Stories Delicious flavors and fascinating tales complete the recipe for creating your own hot chocolate with a Chocospoon plus your favorite milk and filling. Enjoy pralines and a traditional local pastry accompanied by stories of Luxembourg¿s finest treats. Wrap up your experience with sweet souvenirs on a lively Luxembourg shopping street.

Battling Bonaparte Depart Luxembourg for Belgium with a visit to Waterloo—the site of Napolean’s 1815 defeat and subsequent exile to St. Helena. Visit the memorial before continuing to Bruges, the “Venice of the North.” Late afternoon and evening are yours to explore the charming cobblestone streets of this UNESCO-listed city. (B) 196mi / 315km TOUR HIGHLIGHT ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Surrender to your love of history! Visit the site of Napoleon’s final defeat now home to the majestic Waterloo Memorial upon the Butte du Lion (Lion’s Mound) See the historical canvas of the Panorama of Battle, measuring 110 meters long and 12 meters high. Admire a sweeping view of the battlefield by climbing the 226 steps to the top of the Lion monument hill.

Belgian Beauties This morning [LOCAL FAVORITE] enjoy a canal cruise and Belgian chocolate bonbon tasting followed by guided walking tour of the city, including the Church of Our Lady and a traditional lace demonstration. After some free time for lunch, depart for Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. On arrival enjoy an orientation walk that features the magnificent Grand’Place and a photo stop at the mischievous Manneken Pis statues and fountain. (B) 62 mi / 100 km LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Indulge in delicious Belgian bonbons while taking a canal cruise through Bruges A sweet way to see the capital of West Flanders. Traditions continue flowing with a demonstration of the exquisite art of the centuries-old style of Belgian bobbin lace making.

A Farewell Feast Spend a day at leisure to explore more on your own and get better acquainted with beautiful Brussels, or consider an optional excursion to Antwerp. This evening, savor a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Have a jewel of a time with an optional excursion to the fascinating city of Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world! Follow your Local Guide to explore the picturesque old town, visit the Cathedral of Our Lady with some of Ruben’s fine artwork on display, and the Plantin-Moretus Museum, home to the world’s oldest surviving printing press.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)